Book Club - The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

I love reading, as you probably know, and one of my grand ideas for this not-so-grand blog was to create a mini online book club!

The idea of joining a book club is quite daunting for me. After being involved in seminars at university, I always feel like I can never articulate how I feel about the way a book has affected me as eloquently as I'd like. Maybe I'm just one of those people who finds writing a lot easier to do than speaking. Once I had the opportunity to write essays, I felt it was fine - but being the introvert I am; I never truly feel comfortable with these things in real life (although I hope this changes as I get older!).

The book I have chosen is a slightly unusual text. After studying Classics at A Level and taking a more successful module at university, my enjoyment of the subject has increased - arguably moreso than English Literature itself. I like the sociohistorical context of it all, and it probably goes without saying - but The Penelopiad is based on Homer's Odyssey, except it is told from the perspective of Penelope - the protagonist's wife. So it will certainly be interesting to see how this neglected character is portrayed in the story, and I am sure that there will be much more to her than we expect; more cunning like the Penelope we see when she's making Laertes' shroud and repeatedly unwinding her work in order to prevent her gaining any unwanted attention from the suitors. So yes, very exciting!

Margaret Atwood is an author whose works I have always wanted to read, but I simply haven't found the perfect opportunity. Her works were never on my reading lists, with the exception of the dystopian module - which I didn't take (I do like dystopian novels, though, for those of you who are curious). I always get told, especially by my feminist friends, how brilliant a writer she is. Apparently she is quirky, innovative and compelling. I guess we shall see.

With the influx of scientific and mathematical texts arriving on my desk, and the rapidly approaching end of Little Women, I am very much looking forward to reading a modern piece of fiction. I love my Victorian novels, I love my studies of science (and at a stretch, maths) but I particularly love the odd novel that I unexpectedly enjoy. I am hoping that The Penelopiad will be one of these novels, or novella, shall I say? I believe it is just over two-hundred pages. Hmm ... I will look into this.

I will leave it a month or so, for those of you who are busy/would like to somehow acquire the book. I'm still waiting for mine to arrive with the post, but it only cost me £2.17 on Amazon (including postage and packaging, amazingly!). I believe it's not Atwood's most famous text, but I have seen copies online and I believe there is also a three-hour unabridged audiobook if you're into that.

Enjoy!

Canadian edition

Tea Post: Fashion Influences!

Here are some of my fashion influences. Even though I don't take my sense of style too seriously, I do from time to time think about certain pieces and what kind of outfits I want to go for. These outfits are often inspired by certain singers, actresses or writers. I have gathered some examples, as shown below, and have compiled an outfit based on these choices :-)

Audrey Hepburn's style is timeless. I remember watching Breakfast At Tiffany's when I was fourteen and being inspired to (unsuccessfully) emulate her grace and elegance. 

Grace Kelly was absolutely beautiful. Yet again, a lady who carried off both style and elegance with ease.

I think Zooey Deschanel is such an oddball in the world of celebrity. She has mousy brown hair, a fringe, wears tank tops and sings songs that are inspired by the sixties. I love her music, sitcoms and films. In addition to this, I love her style. It is very easy to emulate, and isn't necessarily on trend as such, but instead just cutesy and cool! When I'm thinking of outfits inspired by her, I'll consider pattern (polka dots, stripes, hearts etc), primary colours, and anything just sweet and slightly out there! Needless to say, Zooey's fashion is the easiest style to carry off.

Rita Hayworth epitomises classic style. Set curls, off-the-shoulder dress and rouge lips. Simply stunning, but not easy to do unless you've got a grand night out planned!

Regina Spektor is soooooo pretty. She updates the 1940s look and gives it a kooky twist by wearing all sorts of colours.  I love her style, and I think it combines the majority of ladies in my style off! I'm thinking tea dresses, red lipstick and curly brown hair! Some mary jane shoes, too.

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1. Tea dress
2. Mary janes
3. Navy tights
4. Red lipstick
5. Red satchel

Long time no see!

Hey everyone!

It has been AGES since I've written on this blog. Absolutely ages. I don't even know why.

I'm hoping to come up with some new content ideas and expand on ones that I've had in my head for a long time. I was thinking of more articles on fashion and music, perhaps? I've run out of make up ideas, since I don't wear much anyway! What do you think???

In terms of my personal life - I have finally moved to the countryside! I love it here. I can randomly stumble upon animals like this one:

Henry

I named him Henry. Not sure why. I saw him standing near the fence at the back of the gardens. It was at that point our friendship began to blossom. The name somehow suited him, I thought. I met Henry at a classic car show yesterday. Lots of vintage mini coopers! I hope to see him again soon!

But yes, I have soooo many ideas for this blog. I've got tickets to see The Staves performing later this month, I cannot wait! So I definitely will be writing about that ...

Of course, I've got the new flat to get all excited about! David's birthday, new job, new courses, oh and I graduated!

I finally did it!

At the grand age of 22 my life begins. I'm looking forward to my new adventure, and I am thoroughly enjoying my very chilled out summer here. It has been quite a transition but it's so cute here, I love it :-) I've had time to adjust and think clearly before making any big life-changing decisions and whatnot. Lots of maths and science has been studied; Ada Lovelace is my new female inspiration - and she was Lord Byron's daughter.

I also read The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. Not really sure what I thought of it. Maybe I've got to that point where I feel I can't really enjoy simply written novels anymore, which is sad, as I have only difficult books to enjoy now. I gave up on War and Peace, Tolstoy got the better of me again *sigh*. It's all of those aqualine noses and doppelgangers I've been reading about for the past three years.

Ohhhh I've bought a new frock (I love archaic words) for David's birthday. It is a tea dress with daisies on it, and I'd love to wear it with my red satchel! So I'll take some photos soon! :-) I also finally finished knitting my first wearable scarf, yay! Maybe I'll write an Ode to Autumn (hehee) post, seeing as I rarely find the time to post nowadays. So much to update you all on! xxx

A good ol' clear out

This time next week I won't be living in London anymore.

It's a strange thought, that. Although I'm looking forward to the next chapter of my life, it will certainly be an adjustment. However, I am looking at it from an exciting perspective; I will make new friends, study at a new college, work at a new job and live in a new home. I am hoping that certain aspects of it will be more colourful than I could ever imagine, and that others will run smoothly and not as difficult as I anticipate!

So what I'm trying to say is: I think that to match a turning chapter in my life means that this is the perfect opportunity to try new things. When I say new things, it could be the way I dress or the books I read ... anything.

So, trying to do something different this straight away, I went to my favourite place on the high street: Waterstones. I bought two books. I bought a sociological book and a book that deals with the greatest enigmas in physics. A year ago, I would not have even considered picking these up. My former self would have only read a novel belonging to the Victorian genre. Je ne sais pas; I need something new so that I can continue to grow and enjoy life to the full. I'm still tackling War and Peace, just so you know *wink*.

Tonight, I have been clearing out my wardrobe! I've found so many things I just never wear. After raising nearly £100.00 for Oxfam this year by giving them clothes that just didn't fit anymore, I thought I could help them more, as well as prepare for my new happy-filled life. I'm going to clear out all of the makeup that has been out of date (ew, yuck) too!

I'm also going to get my keyboard back this summer, so I'm going to try and play that too. I love playing my guitar at the moment, I have rediscovered my passion for it!

If you've recently graduated from university, are in the process of changing jobs or are going through a major change in your life - is there anything you have been adapting into your new life? :)

Book review: Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything

If you want a short book, this is not the one for you. While the title employs the word 'short', the book itself contains over five hundred and fifty pages!

Saying that, this book is one of the best I have read in a long time. After studying for a Literature degree, anyone who has also done this must have had a thirst for some non-fiction on their personal reading lists. Although I love any fictional form, I had a yearning for fact. The idea that something is written, and what is being written about is real, that amazed me when reading this book. All of the theories and the musings on science were genuine. Everything that frightened or delighted me was true. I began to see what scientists meant when they said that science, or where our existence stems from, is miraculous. Of course there's the odd bit about rock formations that isn't quite as interesting as, lets say, the unusually easy-to-understand explanation of Einstein's em=c2 theory of relativity. All in all, however, it is a thoroughly interesting and educational read (without it feeling like a boring text book!).

Cute summer outfit for under £20.00

Hey everyone! I hope you're all bright and breezy.

It's my first day off in a while. I didn't really feel like going out, but it was on my 'list of things to do' that I go out and buy some gifts for my friends at work as I'm leaving this week. So yes, the nearest Lush store was a bit far out, so I caught the bus and went on my way.

While I was there, I thought about maybe writing an article on putting a together an outfit that is both summery and affordable. Although the weather isn't great at the moment, I actually realised I don't have many things for that time (which will inevitably come) when it will be too warm to go out shopping for summer clothes! Although some people would think of it as a good thing, in the past three years I have continually gone down by four dress sizes. Although I'm happy and healthy at the moment, this means that I have summer clothes form last year that sadly need replacing. I say sadly because I wouldn't replace them if they did fit me :-)

Anyhow, I took out £20.00 from my bank account and gave myself a budget. I knew that I'd need a dress and some shoes, and if there's any left over money then some accessories/extra item. I went into Primark, which I thought would be my best bet. I've been into H&M recently, and while they do lovely clothes for summer, everything is a bit too neon for my liking! I prefer much more muted tones and florals etc.

This is what I bought in the end. I only ended up spending £17.00, too. The flowery sandals were £6.00 and I wasn't actually too sure about these. However, once I tried them on I was like "awwww!" especially in combination with the dress! The lavender cardigan was also £6.00, and it's a lovely soft and thin cotton material. The dress was the most surprising purchase, though! It was on a rail called "£5.00 dresses!" and I was expecting it to have a tacky back detailing or something. Surprisingly, it is a very pretty and simple design. I thought the whole outfit really came together and didn't really need an accessory, as there's the texture on the top half of the dress, the colour in the cardigan and the detailing in the sandals. Awww!!!

Superdrug shop!

Hey everyone! It's been soooooo long. I apologise for this! I have been ridiculously busy this month. I've been working, volunteering and soon I'll be moving and graduating too! A lot of change is about to happen and I'm half nervous and half incredibly excited! :-) I also got my results from uni this week so it's been a bit crazy! I got a high first for my dissertation :-) and a high 2:1 overall. I'm very happy!

I went to Superdrug today after work (oooh, how exciting) as I always find it's cheaper than places like Boots. I needed quite a few things but hadn't had the chance until now. I'll write about each item in the order it is in the picture! :-)

1. Hair brush - £3ish

I needed a hair brush badly. I'm terrible with brushes, as I always manage to break them! This one looks good for volume boost, though.

2. Garnier Moisture Match - Dull Skin - Under £3

I received some samples from Garnier in the post. They gave me about six samples from the range, and I found this to be the best one. I wanted to wait for an offer as I thought £5.99 was quite expensive for a moisturiser. They're all half price at the moment, so get one! This one smells like apricots and suits my skin really well. It's oil-free and feels more like a gel than a cream, so it's very refreshing. I like!

3. Superdrug Facial Cleansing Wipes - £0.99

These are usually £1.99 but are on offer at the moment for a bargainous price! I love these camomile wipes. They are so gentle and work as a 4-in-1 solution (remove, cleanse, tone and moisturise) to an otherwise boringly long and tedious make up removal session. You get roughly twenty-five wipes per pack, so I only need about one pack a month - very good value!

4. Nivea Peal Deodorant and Anti-perspirant £0.99

Again, on offer, this was reduced from over £2.00! I like this, though. It's very gentle on the skin and smells very pretty :-)

5. Bic lady - £1.50

Another offer (I do like my offers). I can't remember what this was reduced from, but there sure are enough razors to keep my legs smooth for a while! :-) they're colourful, too, so I don't get them mixed up with my boyfriend's - hehe.

6. I love ... strawberry milkshake handcream - £2.00

I got the moisturiser tub of this a while back. It smells gorgeous. I had a L'occitane hand cream which I had for free, but the sample had run out. I'm so glad I saw this, though :-) while the more expensive handcream was nice (£19.00, though) nothing smells as good as this! Yum yum yum.

7. Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara - £7.99

I've bought this one before. I like my lashes to be thinly coated and lengthened upon application. My Maybelline mascara had unfortunately run out as I left it open by accident, oops! I'm just hoping that I'll achieve Zooey Deschanel eyelashes hehe.

8. Superdrug face pack - berry! £0.99

I love this. I've even reviewed it on here previously. Need I say more?

9. Revlon eyelash curlers - £4.99

Eyelash curlers really make a difference. I had some last year but then I never bought the replacement things. Then I just never got round to buying another pair. I got them today, though! I love the pink colour of these (you can also get them in purple) and Revlon are a good brand, so I am hoping that these will be better than my original pair :-)

10. Barry M Speckled nail varnish in white - £3.99

I love Barry M! I had previously seen the Illamsqua nail varnishes advertised on the Vogue website (as my magazine subscription ran out, boo hoo). However, at £15.00 I couldn't justify it. For eleven pounds less, I am hoping that the nail varnish king, Barry himself, will be able to be just as good. They also had a pink alternative, but I didn't want my hands to look like mini eggs. Expect a review soon!

11. Superdrug powder brush - £2.99

Bit of a boring purchase, but I realised I had no clue about my current brush as it was pointed out recently it was a foundation one. I wondered why it was so thick and dense.

12. Original Source honey and shea butter shower cream - £0.99

This smells divine! I love honey, I love shea butter, I love this! It reminds me of when I moved into halls at university, though, as it's the first shower cream I had there! Aha.

Yay, all done. Here's a song that I've been enjoying a lot recently.